It's a warm modern farmhouse with Tudor touches that the family has outfitted with classic pieces that blend with clean-lined, simple elements.

Most nights you can find Meredith Land in thousands of homes across North Texas, but on the weekends, there's really only one place she likes to be — hunkered down at her own Dallas address.

The journalist often misses the dinner and bedtime routines with her family because she's a part of those thingsfor so many others as an anchor for KXAS-TV (NBC5) nightly newscasts at 5, 6 and 10 p.m.

"I'm gone for dinner five nights a week in the newsroom, so on weekends, I just like to be at home — cooking, eating, being with the kids," says Land, 41.

Spending time with husband Xan and children McCall, 9, and Alexander, 6, is her top priority. And that sentiment grows even stronger at the holidays, she says. So, that means lots of catching up, cuddling and Christmasing.

Meredith Land ties a Christmas ribbon around a pie her husband, Xan, made at their Dallas home. She is joined by her daughter McCall in their kitchen. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)

The family of four spends hours together in the kitchen, making dinner and gifts for neighbors and loved ones. Their chocolate chess pie has become such a favorite that even McCall knows the recipe (a family secret they're not about to divulge) by heart.

"I can make it with blindfolds, I've made it so much," McCall says.

Xan first started making the pie years ago when Land's job had her working holidays and he often ate his holiday meals at a friend's. He couldn't show up empty-handed, so he brought the homemade treat.

Those years when Land was on assignment or behind the news desk on holidays means she truly relishes spending those days at home when she can. "There have been so many years I've had to work on Christmas," she says. "Now, I really appreciate being home and being together."

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There's no place like home for TV journalist Meredith Land, who loves to spend weekends cuddled up with her family. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)

Creating a cozy place to hide away on weekends was important to Land and her husband. They've spent the last five years settling into the home they built in Greenway Parks, a neighborhood they were drawn to for its green spaces and parks.

The light-filled home marries traditional design with a soft, contemporary style.

It's a warm, modern farmhouse with Tudor touches that the family has outfitted with classic pieces that blend with clean-lined, simple elements.

Land says that like most families, hers can most often be found in the kitchen. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)

Of course, this time of year, the Christmas decor stands out. An oversize, angel-topped tree adorned with family photos and handmade ornaments fills the front room.

Carolers that Land inherited from her mother accent the mantel, where four needlepoint stockings hang.

1/2The needlepoint stockings were hung with care at Land's Dallas home, which she has filled with meaningful family pieces, including the caroler collection on the fireplace.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)

2/2Like most families, the kitchen is the hub of activity for Meredith Land her family. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)

McCall takes great pride in helping to create a festive atmosphere.

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"She's the holiday enforcer around here," Land says. "She loves setting the table" with cherished holiday dinnerware that four generations of women in Land's family have enjoyed.

Both Land's mother and grandmother used the Christmas Tree pattern from Spode before the news anchor started her own collection.

LIke her mother and grandmother before her, Meredith Land, with help from daughter McCall, sets her table in December with Spode's Christmas Tree dishes.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)

Though the magnolia wreath and vintage ornaments might appear otherwise, it's not all picture-perfect. And that's more than OK with Land.

Broken wings, missing feet and chipped paint won't keep her from proudly displaying angels and nutcrackers from her own childhood.

At Christmas and year-round, Land's home is filled with beautiful things — pastel upholstery, inspiring coffee table books, artwork, including pieces from her mother-in-law — but also the chaos that accompanies life with two active elementary-age kids and a puppy, Teddy.

KXAS anchor Meredith Land poses for a photo with her husband, Xan, son Alexander and daughter McCall at their Dallas home.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)

It's finding the right balance, both in decor and life as a working mother, that Land strives for. She takes the morning shift at home, handling breakfast and school drop-off.

"I drive them to school in my robe," she says. And her husband, who works in finance, takes dinner and homework duty in the evening.

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"My kids have each of their parents at their best," says Land, who often sneaks in more together time during the day by volunteering or eating with her kids at school.

Meredith Land gives Reid Holiday, who is hearing impaired, a hug after serving lunch with daughter McCall and family at Salvation Army's Carr P. Collins Social Service Center in Dallas.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)

She's dedicated not only to her work and family, but also to her community.

"I thought I would stay in Dallas for three or so years," Land said about her move from her native Charleston, S.C., 15 years ago. "But I fell in love with the community and put down roots. Texas is home now."

She recently joined the advisory board of the Salvation Army DFW Metroplex Command and is eager to help beyond the boardroom. Her family is joining her.

Each year, they shop for a child in need from an angel tree. This year, they're serving food to the homeless at the Carr P. Collins Social Service Center in the Stemmons Corridor and plan to ring the bell for the red kettle drive. She hopes other young families will follow their lead.

"When you're out there and serving with your kids, they really get it; they can see the need, and it means something to them," Land says. "Volunteering in that way ends up being more of blessing to me and my own family than I ever would have imagined."

Meredith Land, husband Xan and children Alexander and McCall help set the table for lunch at the Salvation Army's Carr P. Collins Social Service Center on Harry Hines. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)